What Does Troll Account Mean?
Term internet troll or trolling often appear in cyberspace. This refers to the behavior of someone who deliberately tries to cause trouble or conflict by posting controversial or insulting comments.
Troll accounts have the purpose of angering other people. Or, it can also provoke them to issue harsh words, also hurting other people’s hearts.
Troll accounts are commonly found in various internet platforms. Starting from social media such as Facebook, Twitter to Instagram, forums, and chat rooms.
Troll accounts appear because of the internet users can use anonymous names as they wish. So, they intentionally hide their real identity or are anonymous. So, free to run away, and this is the trigger.
What is the difference between trolling and expressing opinions? As it turns out, trolling is not the same as arguing.
This is because trolling activities do not intend to have healthy discussions at all. They deliberately provoke to cause inconvenience to others. If other people are triggered in a grumpy or annoyed manner, then the troll account considers themselves successful.
It’s a bit hard to tell which is trolling and which is someone who really wants to argue about a topic. But, that doesn’t mean they can’t be distinguished at all. The following are signs that an account is intentionally trolling, according to the Kaspersky page:
- Off topic
- Ignoring evidence or facts
- Using words that tend to belittle or attack
- Post pictures or stickers/memes that are not related to the topic
In general, if someone doesn’t seem interested in a healthy discussion, they will deliberately provoke.
How to Deal with Troll Account
So, to avoid troll accounts on social media, there are tips you can do, here are some tips:
#1. Ignore them
There is a saying, “don’t respond to trolling activities”. Often, trolls are motivated by attention and emotional responsiveness, which means that replying to malicious or offensive comments gives them exactly what they want.
Trying to argue with troll accounts is pointless because their goal isn’t sound argument. But, make the opponent’s debate emotions or get angry. It is best to ignore them.
#2. Block them
Most of today’s social media platforms have a feature to block other users. If trolls start to bother you, block them immediately before getting emotional.
#3. Report them
Not only the blocking feature, now social media also have a feature to report other users. Please report those who are rude or hateful. Later, if the report is received, the troll account can be suspended by the platform. Suspension can be temporary or permanent.
#4. Adjust privacy settings
Set your privacy so that your account can only be reached by people you know, not the general public. This can be done by limiting who comments or replies to posts or it can also lock accounts from strangers.
